Winter is a beautiful time of year in India. The weather is pleasant, festivals are in full swing and people are celebrating all over. However, it also brings with it some unwanted pests. Winter pests thrive in cold weather and can create havoc in your home, business, and your health as well. In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you about the top winter pests that are common in India and provide you with methods to prevent and control them.
Common Winter Pests in India
1. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are found throughout the year. They tend to seek warmth during winter. They prefer to be in a warm, moist environment with ample supplies of food. Cockroaches are carriers of various diseases and allergens. Other than homes, cockroaches also invade hotels and restaurants and contaminate their food. This also ruins their reputation and they will suffer a loss of business. It is very important to eliminate cockroaches from your property.
Prevention and Control
To keep cockroaches at bay, keep your kitchen clean and dry. Seal any cracks, crevices, holes, and gaps with caulk or cement. You can also use baits and gels to drive off cockroaches from your premises.
2. Rodents and Mice
Rats and mice are among the most common winter pests in India. They stay indoors to avoid cold and search for food. Rats not only contaminate the food, they also pose a serious threat to your health by spreading germs and viruses. They are most active at night and have a strong sense of smell and taste. Rats can multiply quickly and can create damage to your property by chewing wires, cables and furniture. It is important to eliminate them quickly before they take over your home.
Prevention and Control
To prevent rats from entering your premises, make sure to seal all cracks and crevices. Look for any holes or gaps in the doors and windows and fix them quickly. You can use rat traps. There are a variety of rat traps available in the market. In cases of severe infestations, you can consult with professional pest control experts.
3. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs infest your homes in winter in search of warmth and food. They can easily thrive inside a home whether it is hot or cold outside. Bed Bugs can hitch a ride on suitcases, luggage, or clothes while traveling through hotels, airports, or taxi cabs. Once they infest your home, they will multiply quickly and spread all over. It is hard to detect them as they are mostly active during the night. Though bed bugs do not transmit diseases, they can give you bites accompanied with itching and rashes.
Prevention and Control
To prevent bed bugs from infesting your home, keep your linens, mattresses, sofas, and carpets clean. Vacuum them at regular intervals. Wash them in hot water after soaking them for 30 minutes to one hour. If you have a severe infestation, contact a pest control service provider.
4. Ants
Though ant activity decreases in the winter, observing ant swarmers during the cold months means there is an ant colony inside the house. In this scenario, ants are generally located beneath the wall, in door and window frames, or hidden places. Ants get inside the home in winter to escape the cold weather and in search of food that provides an energy source.
Prevention and Control
To keep ants out of your property, seal entry points and cracks. Keep food in closed containers and make sure that the surfaces are properly cleaned and there are no crumbs or leftover food scattered on the floor. You can also apply ant baits or ant sprays to remove them from your property.
5. Termite
Termites remain active during year-round, even during winter months. They can cause much damage to your home during the cold weather. As termites are active and hungry in winter, they will stay in their established locations which means they will be destroying your wooden structure the entire winter season.
Prevention and Control
It is important to conduct regular inspections for termite prevention. Keep an eye on any warning signs and termite activity in your home. Make sure that your home and surroundings are clean and dry. Remove any moisture or dampness on the walls. If you have a severe infestation, seek professional assistance.
Prevention From Pests in Winter
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your home clean is one of the basic things that has to be done to protect your home from pests. Regularly clean and vacuum your home paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. You can also opt for deep cleaning once a month to stop pests from entering your home.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Inspect your home to find out any gaps, holes, cracks, and crevices in walls, doors, and windows. Seal them with caulk or cement so that pests cannot enter your house.
Store Food Properly
Keep your food and other eatables in closed air-tight containers so that pests cannot easily access them. Pet food can attract rodents. Make sure to store it in a closed container.
Fix Moisture and Plumbing Issues
If there is any leaky tap or pipe in your house, make sure to repair it as soon as possible. Do not allow any standing water in and around your house.
Regular Inspections
Inspect your home at regular intervals for signs of any pest activity like droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or musty odor. Early detection will save you from severe damage.
Professional Pest Control
In cases of severe infestations, it is crucial to hire a professional pest control in Mohali that can effectively deal with your pest problem. They have the expertise and appropriate tools to safely eliminate pests.
Wrapping Up
Winter is a time for festivities and warmth in India. However, some pests seek shelter and food in your home during winter months. With preventive measures and regular inspections, you can keep pests at bay during winter months. Remember, severe infestation needs professional treatment. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed. By implementing proper pest management, you can enjoy a comfortable and pest-free winter.
